Visual 1083 Commuter: Part 1 (Pulling it apart)
24An interesting machine ... the first IBM PC-compatible "luggable"?
There was the possibility of a built-in LCD connected via an RJ45 jack next to the keyboard, but mine has a dummy/blank.
First possibility: install a colour LCD?
This particular machine has 512KB (its maximum) in two banks of 256KB (one soldered, other socketed). It looks like there might be space for an additional parity DRAM per bank.
There is no internal expansion, however it does have a three-row 62-pin connector (DC62) that can apparently be used with the IBM Model 5161 Expansion Unit.
Second possibility: CF storage via the expansion connector?
The exterior of the machine states 110VAC but the internal power supply appears to accept 230VAC as well by moving one wire. The fan, though, I assume is rated for 110VAC so would need to replaced.
Third possibility: refurbish the power supply, switch to 230VAC and replace the fan?
It looks like there is accomodation for an 8087 maths co-processor next to the 8088 CPU. It isn't socketed but this would be pretty easy to fix.
Fourth possibility: add an 8087 maths co-processor?
I've created a Github repository here:
https://github.com/0ddjob/Visual_1083_Commuter